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Why friendships matter in all stages of life

A group of friends enjoying a picnic.
Mandarhino Belgium/Pixabay
A group of friends enjoying a picnic.

A Missouri State University professor discusses the emotional and psychological benefits of having friends.

Our weekly program, Missouri State Journal, is a collaboration between KSMU Radio and Missouri State University. It's hosted and produced by MSU's Office of Strategic Communication, and it airs each Tuesday morning at 9:45 on KSMU.

June 8 is National Best Friends Day. It’s a time to recognize the people who make life brighter, better and more bearable. But best friends are more than just our favorite people to laugh or share inside jokes with. Research shows that close friendships are deeply tied to our happiness, health and sense of purpose.

Dr. Leslie Echols, Missouri State University associate professor of psychology, uncovers why friendships matter, how they help us through hard times and how our closest connections help shape who we are.

Read the full transcript

Adair Seifert has worked at Missouri State University since 2022. She’s currently the content strategist in the Office of Strategic Communication. She is a content creator and social media manager and has a BS in communication studies from Evangel University.